RECAP | Banyana Banyana return home after making history at World Cup

"Our professional program is tied to the bid and by the time the World Cup comes round, we can't be talking about the professional women's football.

"We'll be engaging with all of the stakeholders who are involved in football and SAFA is keen to see all the PSL teams having women's teams because the women's team is going to benefit from a resources perspective." - Zwane

SAFA vice president Linda Zwane: "The money will come through the organisation and will be paid to the players. We'll take the country into confidence when what is due to the players is paid.

"Once FIFA disburses the money, we will do what is right. We need to wait for the tournament to come to an end."

"We encourage players and they encourage each other because they make mistakes. At times, let mistakes weigh on them.

"The win against Italy is our fondest memory and we had tears in our eyes because it was our first World Cup win. I need to take a break first, think about things and speak to SAFA. I'm going back to the World Cup convention and the World Cup next week..." -  Ellis

"The African teams have shown how the game has grown on the African tournament and we need more competition. There's been talk that if there's a team that can win the World Cup, it will come from the African continent," said Ellis.

"The rankings are skewed and the other teams have the Nations League and that's how they'll be gaining points. We've played the best and we've shown we can be the best. We need a professional league. 

"It's never about me. It's about the team because if the team plays well, the individuals will shine and so will everyone else. If the team doesn't do well, I'll stand on the red carpet."

"We wish to thank the team, with the challenges and the criticism, and the criticism had to be taken in good light. South Africans, by nature, are demanding and football is a game of opinions.

"Thembi (Kgatlana) is dedicated to the national team. Losing three family members is devastating, but she opted to stay." - Zwane

"We don't want to drop the ball like we did in 1996. We want to move up like we should have from 1996.

"We want to progress to other stage in the World Cup and the progress at the tournament has boosted SA's chances of hosting the 2027 World Cup."

- Zwane

We're back at the OR Tambo International Airport where, in approximately an hour and a bit's time, Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis should be arriving.

She'll be part of the last Banyana Banyana travellers from the World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

- Khanyiso Tshwaku

The final contingent of the Banyana Banyana squad will arrive at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Friday afternoon.

News24's Khanyiso Tshwaku will be on the ground covering their arrival.

There will also be a press conference with Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis.

Proceedings will start from 14:30 ...

The crowd appreciating Banyana's return to South Africa.

Photo: Khanyiso Tshwaku (News24 Sport)

Banyana have arrived!

Photo: Khanyiso Tshwaku (News24 Sport)

Sports minister Zizi Kodwa speaking about the need to professionalise women's sport.

Photo: Khanyiso Tshwaku (News24 Sport)

Minister in the presidency for women, children and people with disability Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has arrived to greet Banyana Banyana.

Photo: Khanyiso Tshwaku (News24 Sport)

The third group of Banyana Banyana players arriving from Sydney on Thursday after their World Cup sojourn will be greeted by an abjectly small crowd.

This is despite the team reaching the last 16 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup, where they were beaten 2-0 by the Netherlands on Sunday.

While two groups of varying sizes slipped out of the airport without much fanfare and interviews, with star forward Thembi Kgatlana also declining to be interviewed when she arrived with Hildah Magaia and Noko Matlou on Tuesday, the Thursday group was expected to be greeted by Sports, Arts and Culture minister Zizi Kodwa and Minister for Women and people with disabilities in the presidency Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

The rest of squad, along with captain Refiloe Jane and coach Desiree Ellis, are expected to arrive on Friday afternoon.

- Khanyiso Tshwaku: Senior sports reporter - News24 Sport

Banyana Banyana's flight is the one in red. They'll be arriving slightly later than expected.

Photo: Khanyiso Tshwaku (News24 Sport)

Some African National Congress members, along with a group of schoolchildren, have gathered in waiting for the group of Banyana Banyana players who are arriving at 16:30.

Photo: Khanyiso Tshwaku (News24 Sport)

Some Banyana supporters are making their way into the arrivals area in anticipation of the team's arrival. 

Photo: Khanyiso Tshwaku (News24 Sport)

At the moment, the OR Tambo International Airport arrivals hall is not that busy, but it will pick up when the Banyana players arrive. 

Photo: Khanyiso Tshwaku (News24 Sport)

Hildah Magaia, Noko Matlou and Thembi Kgatlana arrived in South Africa on Tuesday, where they were warmly welcomed by supporters.

“Each and every one of us is proud,” Magaia said on arrival. 

“We went there with the mandate of qualifying for the Round of 16 and we did that. So it is a proud moment for all of us. We picked up injuries (in the game against the Netherlands) and it really killed our morale in the game. These things happen in football.”

A large contingent of the Banyana Banyana squad, who made the last 16 of the Women's World Cup, will land at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg this afternoon. News24 Sport is covering their arrival.

They are scheduled to arrive at 16:30.